The sissy squat is a great exercise to add to your workout routine if you’re looking for an intense lower-body challenge.
This exercise targets the glutes, hamstrings, and quads while also engaging the core muscles as they are used to help stabilize the body during this dynamic movement.
Table of Contents
I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.
How to Do a Sissy Squat Properly
The Sissy Squat is a great exercise to build your lower body strength and tone your quads and glutes.
Here are the steps to perform it properly:
Step 1:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing slightly outward.
Step 2:
Bend your knees and hips, lowering yourself into a squat position with your back straight and chest held up high.
Step 3:
Keep your weight evenly distributed throughout both feet as you descend.
Step 4:
When you reach the bottom of the squat position, shift most of your weight onto the balls of your feet while keeping most of the pressure on the heels.
Step 5:
Your legs should be in a V-shape at this point. Your arms can either stay pointed out in front or at your sides for balance if needed.
Step 6:
Now push yourself back up to the standing position by pressing through the balls of your feet and extending at the hips and knees until you are standing upright again.
Step 7:
Make sure to keep a slight bend in the knees when standing all the way up, rather than locking them out completely for optimal form and safety reasons.
Step 8:
Repeat this motion for 8-12 reps per set, depending on how many sets you choose to perform during a single session, ensuring quality movement each time before adding more reps or sets as needed to challenge yourself further over time.
Remember that control is key!
Don’t rush any movements, but focus on maintaining proper technique throughout each rep so that you get the maximum benefit from this powerful exercise without risking injury or compromising results over time!

There are two types of pains, one that hurts you and the other that changes you.
How To Sissy Squat At Home
The sissy squat is an effective exercise that can help strengthen the muscles in many different areas of the body.
It’s a great exercise to do at home, as all you need is a surface to stand on and your own body weight.
Here are the steps for performing the sissy squat at home:
Step 1:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes pointing forward.
Step 2:
Lift one leg off the ground. Keep your back straight and your core engaged.
Step 3:
Bend the standing leg to 90 degrees, so that the knee of the standing leg is pointing towards the floor.
Step 4:
Keeping the back straight, slowly lower your body towards the ground until your elevated leg is parallel to the floor.
Step 5:
Push through the standing leg and return to the starting position.
Step 6:
Repeat for the desired number of repetitions on one side, then switch legs.
Step 7:
Remember to focus on engaging the core and glutes and keep the back straight throughout the exercise.

The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses, behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.
Sissy Squat For Beginners
The sissy squat is a great exercise for beginners looking to build up their leg muscles, core strength, balance, and coordination.
Here are the steps for doing a sissy squat for beginners:
Step 1: Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes pointing forward.
Step 2: Lift one leg off the ground and bend your standing knee until it’s at a 90-degree angle.
Step 3: Keep your back straight and your core engaged as you slowly lower your body towards the floor until your elevated leg is parallel to the floor.
Step 4: Push through your standing leg and return to the starting position.
Step 5: Repeat for the desired number of reps on one side, then switch legs.
Step 6: Remember to focus on engaging the core and glutes, as well as keeping the back straight throughout the exercise.
Step 7: Also, be sure to take breaks between sets and practice proper form in order to prevent injury.
Step 8: As you become more comfortable with the exercise, you can increase the number of reps and sets that you do.
You don’t find willpower; you create it.
Sissy Squat Benefits
The sissy squat has a number of benefits, making it an ideal exercise for many.
Here are some benefits of performing the sissy squat over the standard squat:
1. It provides nearly 100% isolation on the quads and does not place any stress on other muscles like the knee joints, which makes it safer than regular squats or leg extensions.
2. Not only that, but this exercise also targets several muscle groups in one go and strengthens your quadriceps as well as your hip flexors, core strength, and balance.
3. It also helps you to lean back safely without the threat of falling down or having your posture compromised.
4. For those who may have picked up an injury such as back strain, the sissy squat is a great alternative exercise for them due to its low-impact nature.
Therefore, the sissy squat is a great choice for anyone who is looking for an effective and safe workout routine.
The first and greatest victory is to conquer self.
Other Variations Of A Sissy Squat
Other variations of the sissy squat are becoming increasingly popular as a way to add intensity and challenge to regular squats.
One variation is the single-leg sissy squat, which requires one foot to stay on the ground while the other foot lifts off and the body leans forward in an angled position.
This variation increases the challenge of balance and stability as well as working the quadriceps and glutes on one side of the body more than the other.
Another variation is to use a decline board for sissy squats, which helps to increase the angle even more and adds a greater challenge for the legs and core muscles.
To do this exercise, stand on a decline board with your feet shoulder-width apart, and slowly lower your body down into a sissy squat position.
Be sure to keep your chest upright and maintain good posture throughout the movement.
Finally, weighted sissy squats are also becoming popular for those looking to take their workouts to the next level.
To do this exercise, hold a dumbbell close to your chest and perform the sissy squat as you normally would.
As your body descends, keep your arms close to your sides to help stabilize the weight and ensure that proper form is maintained throughout the movement.
These variations of the sissy squat can help to add intensity and challenge to regular squats and should be incorporated into any workout routine to improve leg strength and definition.
To be a champion, you must act like a champion.
Alternatives To Sissy Squat
The sissy squat, also known as a wall squat, is an exercise that works the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and core muscles.
This exercise can be challenging for some people, particularly those with knee or hip pain.
As an alternative to the sissy squat, there are a number of other exercises that can be used to target the same muscle groups.
One alternative exercise is the wall sit.
This exercise is similar to the sissy squat but it involves sitting against a wall instead of standing in front of it.
The key here is to sit with your back flat against the wall and hold for 30–60 seconds.
This exercise focuses on strengthening the same muscles as the sissy squat but with less strain on the joints.
Another exercise that is an alternative to the sissy squat is a reverse lunge.
This exercise works the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings.
To perform a reverse lunge, stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart and step back with one foot.
Lower your hips until both knees reach 90 degrees and then return to the starting position.
This exercise can help strengthen the same muscles as the sissy squat while also helping to improve balance and coordination.
Finally, a glute bridge is another great alternative to the sissy squat.
To perform a glute bridge, lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor and bend your knees.
Then, push through your heels and lift your hips off the ground until your body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees.
Hold this position for a few seconds before slowly returning to the starting position.
The glute bridge works to strengthen the same muscles as the sissy squat and can help improve posture, balance, and mobility.
Don’t ask for a light load, but rather ask for a strong back.
Common Mistakes When Performing A Sissy Squat
Common mistakes when performing a sissy squat can be made if you are not familiar with the exercise or do not pay close attention to your form.
1. First, many people forget to keep their chest up and back straight while they do the exercise.
This can cause the glutes and hamstrings to be over-activated, resulting in an increased risk of injury.
2. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that your knees don’t go beyond your toes, as this can place a lot of strain on the knee joint and increase the risk of a leg or foot injury.
3. Lastly, some people may use too much weight when doing sissy squats and end up straining their lower back muscles.
Always start with a lightweight and increase the weight gradually as your fitness level increases.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your sissy squats are performed correctly and safely.

Discipline is the bridge between your bodybuilding goals and bodybuilding success.
Where To Buy A Sissy Squat Machine
If you’re looking for a solid, intense workout guaranteed to give you results for years to come, the Deluxe Multi-Function Deep Sissy Squat Machine by Leikefitness is a perfect choice.
This machine is designed with adjustable heights and can be used in both commercial gyms and at home.
It features easy pull-ins that make adjustments quick and simple.
Plus, the rolled-over closed-cell foam provides extra comfort.
What’s more, you can purchase now (Prime members) and enjoy free shipping!
So don’t wait – get your Leikefitness Sissy Squat Machine today!
You can check out our Expert pick of the Best Sissy Squat Machines (Reviewed and Ranked).

It never gets easier. You just get stronger.
Sissy Squat FAQs
1. Why Sissy Squat (What Is The Point Of Sissy Squatting)?
Sissy squatting is a good exercise because it helps build strength in your legs and core.
It can also help improve balance and coordination.
By incorporating sissy squats into your routine, you can focus on building strength in your quads and glutes, while also improving hip mobility.
Other benefits include increased flexibility and improved posture.
Additionally, sissy squats can help strengthen your stabilizing muscles, which can lead to decreased risk of injury.
2. What Is Sissy Squat?
Sissy squat is an exercise that involves crouching on one leg with the other leg extended behind and in the air.
The body should be bent forward as far as possible while keeping the back straight.
The movement should be slow and controlled, focusing on engaging the core and glutes to maintain balance and stability throughout the exercise.
This exercise can be used to strengthen the quads, glutes, hamstrings, and core muscles.
It is also a good way to improve balance and coordination.
3. Is Sissy Squat Good For Knees?
Sissy squats can be good for your knees because they help you strengthen the muscles around them.
They also improve balance and coordination, which can help decrease the risk of injury.
Doing sissy squats regularly can help keep your knees healthy and strong.
4. What Does Sissy Squat Work?
Sissy squats are an effective exercise that helps work and strengthens the muscles in many different areas of the body.
The primary muscles targeted by this exercise include the quads, glutes, hamstrings, calves, and core.
It can also help improve balance, coordination, and flexibility.
Additionally, sissy squats can help strengthen the stabilizing muscles, which can lead to improved posture and decreased risk of injury.
5. Do Sissy Squats Build Mass?
Doing sissy squats can help build muscles in your legs, hips, and core.
It might not make you bigger or bulkier, but it will help you get stronger.
It can also help improve your balance, coordination, and overall fitness.
If you are looking to build muscle mass, sissy squats are a great compliment to your strength-training routine.
They can help you build the muscles in your legs and core that are necessary for more intense exercises, such as squats and lunges.
Additionally, sissy squats can help you increase your flexibility and mobility, which can further aid in building muscle mass.
6. What Is Rep Range For Sissy Squat?
The rep range for sissy squats is the number of times you do the exercise.
You can do as many or as few reps as you want, depending on your fitness level.
Start with a few and then increase the number of reps each time you do it until you reach a comfortable level.
Commonly, people will do 8-12 reps per set of sissy squats.
However, it is important to listen to your body and adjust the number of reps depending on your fitness level.
It is also important to remember to take breaks during the exercise and practice proper form in order to prevent injury.
7. Is Sissy Squat Safe?
Yes, sissy squatting is safe. You should focus on engaging your core and glutes and keeping your back straight while doing the exercise.
Make sure to take breaks between sets, practice proper form, and adjust the number of reps depending on your fitness level.
That way you can do sissy squats without getting hurt.
Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.
Final Thoughts
Sissy squats can be a great way to build strength and stability in your lower body.
By incorporating various sissy squat variations and including tools like the squat rack which is sometimes used to perform other exercises such as deadlifts, and presses.
Incorporating a banded sissy squat will require you to use a resistance band.
Sissy squat alternatives require you to put all of your weight onto your toes and your quads, which helps you build strength.
A well-known squat variation is the weighted sissy squat which emphasizes the quads and glutes.
It’s an intense, single-leg version of a traditional squat and it requires a great deal of balance, flexibility, and coordination.
Notwithstanding, when performing sissy squats there are several common sissy squat mistakes that many people make which can potentially lead to injury if left unchecked.
It is important to perform your sissy squat safely.
To ensure this, make sure you are stretching, and warming up, keeping your knees forward, and have a spotter present if necessary.
It is also important to keep your back straight throughout the sissy squat movement and maintain good form to avoid injury.

Sissy squats are not recommended for people with back or hip issues, as the positioning of this exercise requires you to round your spine in order to maintain balance.
Additionally, if done incorrectly or without proper form and support from other muscles, it may cause more sissy squats bad than good.

One of the best ways to perform sissy squats is in a squat rack.
They are great for safety as they ensure that you don’t accidentally injure yourself.
In conclusion, it is important to make sure you are executing the full sissy squat form of the exercise correctly in order to reap its benefits without causing any harm.
With these tips in mind, you should have no problem getting started on building strong legs with sissy squats!
If you are interested, you can check out our step-by-step guide on how to perform the Hack Squat, Bulgarian Split Squat, or just how to Squat like a Pro!
Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
Enjoyed your read? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
